But ultimately I am glad that I took the extra time to satisfy my "minds eye" version. I hope that you are at least content with the changes you have made now. Rykrof's emotions at Finis dying is definately a great addition & also that it is HE now that distrusts palps as opposed to Ralbarr before - shows that the wars are effecting him as a man & how he views the world!

Yakforums doesnt seem to be running at the moment so I'm posting here!

Well I'm very happy with how this turned out, I think that Finis is vital to the whole anti palps movement as I think that he is almost the first official casualty of palps plan for domination!

The thing I have always loved about this series is its ability to snake around the canon events & kind of show what was happening elswhere in an event we already have firmly in our minds.

I do wonder why you have dropped Greivous in favour of the Mando however? This is certainly not a gripe as from experience I can now realise that as the creator you are 2 or more stories ahead of the reader in your own mind

I think I just like Greivous standing over the dead from before (he he)

I do like the fact that the bad guys are playing off one another now - how very . . . DASTARDLY!!!

My ponderings now however are twofold:

1. Kala? I much prefer that he isnt tagging along this time - excellent - as you know I like this character alot since he has earned the trust he has, wonder where you will go with him now youve altered it?

Play the video at the end as a kind of theme tune to the closing credits! There are 90 pictures in all so keep a look out for the last one . . .

Intro:

The end is nigh for our heroes.

Separated once again from his loyal protector Galen Cortez the future looks bleak for Durandel . .

With everyone on the CHLORIS station apparently incinerated he is now left completely alone within the heart of the New Galactic Empire!

Meanwhile the unusual Cortez family unit has taken up residence further into the city suburbs - to hopefully blend in with the general populous . . .

1. As morning breaks within the Imperial centre the steady rush of traffic increases. Buildings begin to buzz & life slips back into daily routine . .

2. Within their new workshop Grandpa Cortez (on the road to recovery) tinkers with his grandsons ship as Uncle Knish tends to the child . .

3. HOLONET NEWS: ((“Also this morning we have continuous coverage of the special access this channel has been granted from the supreme court“.))

4. HOLONET NEWS: ((“For the first time one of the criminal Jedi incriminated in the attempted coup d’état against our very own elected leader will be tried under the rule of law”.

5. Uncle Knish: ”Galen I beg you not to go there, it will be too painful to watch. This child is priority now for all of us - that’s how the Jedi would have wanted it!”

6. Grandpa: “He won’t listen to you Knish, my boy would never leave a man behind - NEVER. But your uncle is right Galen this is hard for us all to bare. That boy needs our support but in our support of what he stands for!”.

7. Deep within a military bunker the creaking of metal awakens the Padawan. The light from outside fills the room & a figure approaches.

8. Arbiter : “Greetings Padawan I am Meena Tills. I have been asked to represent you during your trial at the request of Baron Papanoida”.

Durandel: “Save your breath Mon Calamari, this will not be a ‘trial’ at all, merely showmanship!”

9. Arbiter : “Please young one, I may have been ill informed on you current circumstances but I am of the delegation of 2,000!! The plight that you face must not be alone . . .”.

10. After the allotted 20 mins the Arbiter leaves the Padawan alone once more . . In the dark . .

11. A lavish procession takes place by midday where by the accused is marched from the holding area to the main courts. Citizens are encouraged by those in authority to make an example of those who threaten ’peace & security’.

13. As an extra measure of ‘security’ he is forced to drag his shackles behind him. The basis behind this is to prolong the procession & firmly imprint the image upon the general public . .

14. Although Elite & the now standard Stormtroopers line the route the baying residents still manage to get too close for comfort! Hitting & generally disrespecting the youngster . .

15. At one low point Durandel buckles under the intense weight of his shackles, the crowd respond with laughter & name calling . . .

16. Trooper: “Easy does it little guy, were supposed to have you in one piece!”

The troopers are an oddity to Durandel - they sound almost friendly..

17.Eventually the gates of the courthouse are before him. The re enforced titanium provide him with some level of safety - although out of the frying pan . . . .

18. As the second set of gates begin to open he spies something . .

19. Is it Ventress?? How would she have survived? Is she here to help him or merely witness his fate?? . . .

c01. Inside proceedings are already underway. The official representative of the court Mas Amedda makes his entrance.

c02. Amedda: “Order! Order! By the decree of the Supreme Courts we are gathered under LAW to witness the trial of a suspected terrorist”

c03. Amedda: “By days end we will have attained whether or not the defendant & the Jedi order as a whole are indeed a menace to our society!

If as I suspect we find that is indeed the case a maximum custodial sentence will be awarded!”

c04. Arbiter: “My friends as defending council I find it absurd that a single being can be deemed responsible for the actions of many. As a Jedi & might I add that officially he is not yet a Jedi , the defendant has been initiated as a keeper of the peace - not in fact as a terrorist or felon !”

C05. Arbiter: “To those of you witnessing these events today I beg you to see reason, we have become subservient lackeys to a political agenda & I for one cannot accept this . . . Sin!

co6. Arbiter: “This BOY has become a scapegoat to all things that we fear in society & for what? Ladies & gentleman this boy is guilty of no crime - only a victim of circumstance . . .”

c07. Arbiter: “Unfortunately I fear that the decision of the court is already made, that is not a fair trial ladies & gentlemen - that is a outrage!!”

c08. Amedda: “Very political Meena, very political! The court accepts your opening defence although I find it hard to agree with your claims of innocence when you could not find a single character witness!”

c10. The showmanship of the prosecution council is similar to that of an evangelist - highly charged!

Prosecution: “Brothers & sisters we are being deceived! We have been deceived & we don’t wanna be deceived no more!! I’m talking about a cult, a sect of people who snatch children from a young age & programme their minds - with evil!!”

c11. Prosecution: “The problem is brothers & sisters is that we got one of these snakes trapped - caged! The rest of them have slithered away on their evil bellies away from sight, but we got one of ‘em!”

“People, we have the right to feel safe & our elected leaders have the right to feel safe - your children have the right to feel safe in their homes, their schools - their mommas arms! I will prove that this MAN in conjunction with others is a menace to freedom itself!”

c12. As the prosecutor finishes a black figure approaches the podium to a hushed silence . . .

c13. As the session continues one of the many courtroom cameras focuses on Durandel.

c14. Vader: “ representative of the court, councilmen as Special Enforcer for the Emperor himself I feel it is my duty to disclose to you our findings involving this Jedi & others!”

C15. Stunned at the outrageous brake in protocol Durandel has to compose himself. Gripping the cage bars tightly he manages to release his frustration through squeezing tightly . . . .

C16. Vader “The footage that I am about to reveal clearly shows the defendant engaging in unlawful activities . .”

C16a. The first security recording shows the initiation of Order 66, Galen coming to the aid of Durandel & fellow Padawan & the clones troopers defeat. Out of context the scene shows downed troopers at the hands of the pair . . . .

C16b. As Vader continues to dictate events we see Galen & Durandel alive & well amidst the Chaos!

C40. Durandel: “No Galen you must not - not this time! I am probably the last physical embodiment of the Jedi Order that people are going to witness for a long time . . . I must abide by the rule of Law!”

C41. Cortez: “ Mmm, I’d hoped you wouldn’t go there! Dragging you kicking & screaming was my plan B but I kinda see your point - as much as I hate to admit it!”

Cortez realises the futility in struggling. He is at the mercy (or lack there of) of Darth Vader!

C68. Vader: “What a pity that after all you have done to aid the Jedi cause, you are powerless to stop it’s complete destruction at my hands! The boy will make the perfect apprentice to ME - if he has the strength of character I require!”

C69. Outraged but confident Galen is defiant to the last . . .

Cortez: “H . . H .. . HE will never bow to you or your emperor! Durandel is too honourable a Jedi !”

C74. As the Dark Lord exit’s the area the guard once again converge, making absolutely sure that Cortez is gone & gone for good!

C74a. As the evening draws in the Holonet news recounts the events of the day:

Announcer: “As you can see the attempted jail break by the Jedi was eventually thwarted thanks to the efforts of our security services! This exclusive footage is available to review for up to 2 weeks on our pages!”

It's been a long time since you announced that series I hope that you invest some serious time into your visuals - I would imagine otherwise that people are gonna be a little disgruntled - this isn't a diss or anything but I'm just warning you dude

25. Before she can finish her next sentence the Twi’lek is thrust face first into the medical bed!

26. As she wrenches hard on the poor nurses head tails Ventress becomes aware of others in the room.

27. “STAY BACK - I’LL EAT THE INTESTINES OF THE NEXT THING THAT MOVES!!” she thunders!

28. “I’d like to see you try” says a familiar voice

29. Sobbing as much with anger as with fear nurse Femur is comforted as Ventress continues to snarl & growl at everything in the room . .

30. Durandel: “What are you doing?”

31. Durandel: “Are you ok? I’m so sorry they over reacted are you cold?”

33. Once normality returns supper presents its own challenges . .

34. “Honoured guests” the Ithorian begins “our coming together signifies the harmony between nature & chaos. Though our circumstances are torrid the fact that we can all enjoy such bountiful fruits is truly uplifting!”

35. He continues “As friends I would like you to elaborate further upon how you came upon CHLORIS?”

36. As Durandel begins to recount events Galen studies his friends mannerisms closely - something has changed within the boy - but what?

37. Galen: “YOU left the Bothan to his fate - twice?” Durandel: “We had no choice - we were outnumbered” Galen: “Note the presence of the word WE Durandel - between you I’m sure there was something you could have done - surely?” Durandel: “But . .”

38. Ventress: “The boy is the bravest I know virile & strong -you would do well to remember that the next time you attempt to scold him!” Galen: “VIRILE???”

39. After Galen ponders the awkwardness felt between the friends . .

Galen: I don’t know Maybe I was too hard on the kid?

40. Durandel: “I feel I must apologise to Galen Asajj?”

41. Galen: “I bet we looked so undisciplined in front of our hosts” Femur: “It was a disagreement, at least there was discussion!”

42. Galen: “I know but it’s different at his age, he’s a smart kid but there are still hormones as well as everything else he’s had to deal with recently!” Femur: “Then go see him silly?”

43. Galen: “Yeah I will, I can’t let it go round in his head all night - sorry I can’t be better company tonight!”

44. Asajj: “YOU don’t need to feel anything but contempt for that arrogant swine - what does he know?”

45. Femur: “Thank you for the flower - now go before your head explodes, thats a medical term obviously (laughs).”

46. For a brief moment silence fills the air - Nurse Femur draws closer to the valiant & righteous hero before her . .

47. Galen: “Uh erm I’m gonna . . .” Femur: “GALEN?”

48. As their discussion continues Ventress beckons Durandel into the bathroom with her - she begins a very steamy hydro shower!

Ventress: “Don’t just stand there . . . ”

49. As Cortez approaches he ponders how big an influence Ventress is beginning to take upon his friend . .

50. The sounds coming from inside would suggest she does indeed have a hold of him in every sense of the word!”

51. As dawn breaks a second alert rings throughout the corridors of CHLORIS.

52. ((Galen on announcement)) “Now here this, now here this! We have an unidentified craft containing a single life form hailing us - the communications are stifled!”

54. Again, security procedures lock down a single point of entry from the docking bay . . It’s lift opens . .

55. From inside the communications room all hands desperately await confirmation of contact!

56. Durandel: “GORO ”

57. Amidst a whole host of medical equipment Durandel waits patiently for Goro to regain consciousness. The evidence would suggest that the Bothan fell foul of imperial inquisitors, being tortured for his troubles!

58. Lithe Danner: “Within all his mutterings Goro was right about the tracer on your - his ship!”

Durandel: “Hmm if those bounty hunters on Nar Shadarr were some how able to get a tracer on the firespray - then claimed some of the reward from the Empire - it would explain how we were caught out on Pure Nemoidia!”

82.Pterid: “How did you know Galen, how did you uncover our secret?” Durandel: “I guess droids talk - look the most important thing is that we get the child as far away from here as possible!”

83. United finally each individual realises the importance of the child above all else - plans are swiftly put into place to deal with their predicament . .

84. Femur: “But Galen I can help - we can help you” Cortez:“ And you are, this ship will be one of many the Empire will see recorded leaving CHLORIS. The more ships they have to track the less likely they are to discover the child!”

85. The sprightly nurse finally manages to get the kiss she had attempted previously “stay safe!” she whispers . .

86. As the ship begins its journey back to the core worlds Galen & Durandel look on . . .

87. Cortez: “You don’t have to do this my friend, I realise this was Goro’s initial plan but willingly offering yourself as the distraction is fatally flawed?”

Durandel: “If what Goro says is true the imperials have no idea about the child - a Padawan sitting target will cement that fact!”

88. Durandel: “Do you really think you can get far enough away before the imperials emerge out of hyperspace?” Cortez: “I have to! Besides grandpa’s special little hyper drive will leave a less obvious carbon trail for them to follow!”

89. Pterid: “Be safe - both of you!”

90. 30 mins later a Star destroyer looms in front of the CHLORIS facility . .

91. Pterid over the com link: “Of coarse we wish the Empire good tiding, I’d be honoured to show you around”

92. Joyeuse: “PREPARE TO BE BOARDED!”

93. Light years away Galen confirms that the carbon trail from his ship is dispersing - the chances of the Empire re-tracing his steps now are slim to none.

94. Some time later the administrator of the facility awaits their guests . . .

95. The elevator arrives.

96. Pterid: “As the most senior consultant aboard our platform, may I be the first to say long live the Emperor”.

Alas for me the story was waaaay to long for me to get my head around at first, second & 3rd reads . . I missed the Vong stuff so some of it doesn't make sense - those with the backstory in their head must love this continuation times ten but I am a little rusty.

2.At first light Durandel feels a stirring next to him, as he rolls over Ventress is already preparing for the day ahead.

3.As she changes, he ponders their situation to himself - 6 months ago could he really have ever imagined the events that have unfolded?

The destruction of the Jedi Order, the end of the War, sharing a bed with one of the key members of the confederacy? The Force indeed moves in mysterious ways!

4. Ventress: “You need to change into the robes I bought you!” Durandel: “what’s the hurry Asajj? Have you finally lost your appetite after 3 days!” Ventress: “My physical needs are not the issue now Padawan, CHANGE!”

5. A little disheartened by the change in pace, Durandel rises all the same . . .

6. Once out on the street Durandel protests as to the necessity of a blaster rifle & the tailored clothes he has been persuaded into wearing.

8. “I am trying to keep a handle on our situation & you do nothing be adhere to the stupid ways of the ancients!” As she speaks she flicks his Padawan braid in her hand. Durandel: “They are my beliefs Asajj”Ventress: “beliefs that will get you killed!”

9. After a lot of walking they reach their destination - although only Ventress has a clear idea of where they are heading.

11. As the garage door swings upwards the Bothan from the bar emerges. “Well I’ll be dammed!” He chuckles gruffly.

12. Durandel almost instantly barks out a question but to his better judgement, takes a backseat & observes.

13. Ventress: “The bargain still stands, I will help you with the supplies you need!”

Goro: “I new you would surprise me at some point Ventress - although I didn’t think it would be at all in a positive way”

Ventress: “There is still plenty of time for me to upset you Bothan, trust no one - live long!”

14. “Since I hadn’t expected you I will need time to prepare” Goro begins “ docking bay 545 at 5:45 be there!”

15. “Bring only what you will use Bothan, we strike hard & fast!!”

16. As the day passes Durandel questions Ventress on the deal with the Bothan to no avail - although she is reluctant to discuss her plans he doesn’t sense negative intentions from her, more desperation.

17. As they enter the cargo bay her feelings betray her, this is what Durandel had hoped for. Unaware Ventress is less guarded in his company & he suspects is now reliant on his companionship . . .

18. From above a disrupter rifle discharges . . . .

19. “Dam” Goro yells “the Guild members have come for their bounty!!!”

20. Drawing the blade that Palpatine had left so long ago on Makem Hek Ventress defends them from blaster fire.

21. A well timed deflection strikes the Duros Guild member as two others emerge from behind storage containers.

31. “You really do have a problem with authority figures miss” Galen laughs as he removes his helmet, much to the relief of the panic stricken nurse. “I’m a Twi’lek honey” she chirps “authority don’t play well for us!!”

32. Knish greets his nephew with relief “Grand papa is doing just fine, the nurse was just telling me that the strain on his heart in no more”

33. “So his wounds are superficial then?” Galen asks resting his hand upon the bacta tank “the intravenous treatment has reduced the burns inside his body?”

34. “Pretty much” nurse Femur explains, handing him her chart sheets “I dealt with his vitals first, that way his bodies own healing mechanisms can aide recovery now the heart is working at normal speed!”

35. A little later in a quiet moment to himself Galen ponders the fate of his friend Durandel. Still a while away from their scheduled rendezvous - he struggles to imagine the young one safe . . . .

36. “Hey” Femur interrupts “you gotta get some rest too you know”

37. Before Cortez has chance to respond she has him sitting comfortably in a chair next to his grandfather.

39. Within a secluded base on Pure Neimoidia soldiers get the shock of their lives as an alert rings out . . .

40. Established amongst the many fungus farms on the surface the base was intended to secretly continue productions of B1 battle droids after the Naboo incident before the confederacy decided to upgrade to the Techno Unions B2 units.

41. A parade line forms along the rear wall of the production chamber . .. . .

42. “We have prepared for this day frequently for many years, now it is real!” states the Commander “you have all questioned the legitimacy of the bases continued existence, the enemy has no such queries!”

43. Snatching a badly place helmet from one of his troop he disperses them to their positions . . .

44. The alarms fall silent & they await contact . . . . . .

45. A scuttling can be heard from outside as an intruder circles the area, anyone with any battle experience can see that the front window is the bases weak point - the doors are near impenetrable.

46. From the silence comes a deafening boom as the window shatters . . . .

47. Predicting the point of entry the Neimoidian soldiers open fire . . .

48. As the blasts are deflected a second intruder slips inside as the first draws their fire . . .

49. The soldiers stand firm . . .

50. Had Durandel not had the force as an ally he would surely have succumbed to the continued assault . .

3. Vader: “Well Joyeuse, the Emperor returned with little in the way of value - I trust there was more to his excursion than he would have me believe?”

Joyeuse: “There was indeed my Lord, it would appear that an exchange took place between his excellence & a being of some power in the catacombs of Makem Hek!”

4. As Joyeuse reports his findings - he becomes aware of a subtle change in Vader. As if pieces of a larger puzzle were beginning to form somewhere behind his cold black eyes . . .

5. The force tremors around them as Vader’s rage boils to the surface . . . .

Vader: “So the Emperor HAS indeed withheld information from me . . Just as I had begun to suspect.You have indeed excelled yourself Joyeuse - however this now demands a change in my overall plan . . . .”

6. The vote of confidence from the Dark Lord triggers a memory in Joyeuse’s mind: to a time when a little encouragement would have gone along way . . . .

7. Joyeuse: “We really stuck it to ‘em on Geonosis Master Windu, wish I was there myself”

Humouring the chronicler Master Windu nods politely “Indeed, would you mind registering these reports as soon as possible - they will be tactically & historically very important?”

8. Eager to please, Joyeuse snivels further “of coarse Master Windu they may take me a while but I’ll make them top priority”

9. As Windu exits Saesee Tiin enters the room in a less forgiving mood!

Tiin: “Hah! You gotta be a real JedI to go out in the field - remind me why you can only keep books again?”

10. A touchy subject for Joyeuse Tiin uses it as a distraction to unload yet more battle logs & landing reports upon the chronicler . . .

11. “Have fun!!” Master Tiin chuckles as he makes for the exit . .

12. Joyeuse remembers that anger all to well - something he’ll never be forced to suppress again!

13. Present day - a med lab on Coruscant

14. “staring at him ain’t gonna improve his status hon.” a nurse chirps “why don’t you get some shut eye if your sticking around?”

15.As the nurse goes about her duties the Crimson guard turns away from her, yet to say a word.“I don’t think I ever came across you guys in med before - thought you had a centre all to yourselves?”

16. As the Guard removes his helmet Galen Cortez is revealed . . .

17. Galen: “Sorry, I . . well he’s a special case being funded privately . . The authorities can’t be told!” Nurse: “As long as you got the credits honey I ain’t got time to report to nobody, demands of the job”

18. “I’m surprised they ain’t on your case though, that stand off with the old guard is really taking off”

19. Galen grabs the nurse by the arms “what stand off with the old guard . . . Where?”

20. As she relays the information he suits up once more & heads for the exit . . .

21. Nurse: “Don’t be a hero honey - your credits are only enough for one bacta tank”

22. . . . . . . .

23. Nearly an hour later across town the stand off is near breaking point . . .

26. Behind the barricades a Troop commander explains himself to the newly arrived Imperial S.P

Commander “I’m sorry ma’m but they are right above one of the four main gas lines, bombardment is out of the question. The only way in/out is that Parma steel door which is 12 layers thick to contain any leak from inside”

27. {huk} The cold blade of a vibrostaff ends the debate . .

28. From inside the few survivors desperately try to gain their composure long enough to come up with any ideas that they have yet to try.

29. From behind them a red guard emerges “you were never a glass is half full kinda guy Dorm!”

30. The Sergeant leaps forwards & with some encouragement removes the crimson helmet.

31. As he does so Galen uses the chance to turn the tables as they seem less than pleased to see him so far. “Dorm it’s me Galen” he growls “stop time wasting or more people are gonna die!”

Confused but determined Dorm stands firm “Galen Cortez is a Blue blood like me, red ain’t even in his dictionary!”

32. Galen : “Dorm it’s me - last time I saw you we were helping JedI escape an assassination attempt!”

33. “Is this true?” A child’s voice speaks from behind them

34. Galen “Yes it’s true but we have little time for pleasantries - we need to go YOU especially need to get out now!”

35. As Galen & Dorm are hurriedly re-acquainted it becomes clear to Galen that his friend has been protecting the Padawan much the same as he himself has with Durandel.

42. “This isn’t necessary Dorm” Galen groans “I’m ok as I am!” A stern look from his friend says it all - what they had stood for all their lives is near it’s end & dignity is all Dorm wants for them now!

43. “Do you hear anything?” the Padawan asks his assigned protector “no kid but I’m sure they are ok” the guard replies hopefully.Padawan : “I have a sense of foreboding down here - we must be cautious”

44. As Galen straps his boots he hears a blood curdling scream . . .

45. . . . . Dorm . . .

46. Further along he finds another guard but before the can exchange conversation they are interrupted.

47. Necatarina: “I see you are a sergeant .. . . Everyone leave us!!”

48. The guard raises his weapon to her “No” Galen shouts “get to the tunnel & protect the boy!”

49. Unthreatening but prepared Galen awaits her first mistake . .. .

50. Necatarina: “I came with 4 imperial guards but then I became aware of a 5th - impressive!”

I took a risk with the last few final scenes but we dont have any info on ventress after the obsession comics so I figured that even if the EU add to her history - my little side route shouldnt do much damage!

[1. Some years ago armistice was declared between two malevolent powers in the universe.

The last of an ancient race - Mygalomorphae the everlasting - had been without a mate for over a millennia. Unable to produce offspring she desperately clung to the hope that somewhere, eventually the answer to her plight would reveal itself.

To be the last of your kind for eternity is a heavy burden to bear . . .

2. Across the centuries she found a way to recruit followers to her cause in exchange for the only thing she had - her life force.

Amongst the dead & dying on any given battlefield she would offer them a new life & a new purpose.

When the female of her ancient race lays eggs for fertilisation a small stone is passed from the gut.With a limited lifespan the stone allows a small amount of foresight - enough to select the strongest & nearest mate.

The Sith Lord concluded that combined with Dark side energies this window into the future would be a priceless acquisition, exaggerating his already impressive foresight abilities tenfold!

4. An uneasy bargain was made whereby he would forward any & all information he had acquired regarding the creation of life, continuing to do so as & when he acquired it.

In exchange every 10 years he would be given the birthstone as payment.

5. Suddenly however the exchange stopped . . .

6. Present day, the vertical city - Nar Shadaa . . .

7. On one of the many walkways, Durandel hurries after his newly aquired companion ..

8. “What seems to be the problem miss?” he asks “I get the feeling you are starting to distance yourself from our aquaintence?”

9. “What is your problem?” the female snaps cruelly “we have no aqaintance - get gone child before I send you headfirst into the nearest supernova!!!”

10. As she turns away the Padawan retaliates even though he probably shouldn’t

“SO YOU ARE THE CALLOUSE, COLDHEARTED HUTT THEY SAID YOU WERE!”

11. Stopping dead in her tracks she turns 180 & squres up to the young one “YOU know nothing of me neonate - I answer to noone & noone answers to me!!”

“Then if I have made assumptions there is only you to correct me!” he replies.

12. Unmoved she continues onwards to her destination, admissibly recognising Durandel in persuit.

13. They enter a Jek jek tar lounge - a bar mainly for non humans where the air has a certain level of toxicity for recreational purposes.

A battle droid squeals for mercy as it is pushed from pillar to post by the revellers . . .

14. One extremely large, one eyed wookie seems to take great pleasure in the teasing!

15. As the noise of music & merriment reaches a maximum, blaster fire rings out . . . .

16. A patron smirks from behind a smoking blaster, the noise starts up again & the celebration continues.

17. At a table in the corner of the room Durandel & the female continue their heated discussion.

“How long have you known my identity?” the newly revealed Ventress questions“From the start” Durandel answers.

To a JedI in training the prospect of redemption seems to be at least a glimmer of hope for even those completely consumed by hatred & fear - to a former Sith apprentice however hoplessness & early death seem the more likely outcome . . .

19. “Hey I know you!” a denizen yells “you’re that chick - Dooku’s broad: there must be a waiting list as big as Yavin for those who want your head!”

20. Feeling that he was just beginning to get through to Ventress - Durandel lunges at the sleazebag in a desperate bid to halt his tirade before he attracts the attentions of the bigger, badder drinkers . . .

21. TOO LATE . . . .

22. Back in the depths of the ancient temple on Makem Hek, Grandpa Cortez has arrived to transfer Galen’s specific memory files onto a portable view screen.

32.”Let me heal him man of wires, the sooner I can begin the better survival rate he has?” the ancient being states convincingly. “No thanks, this family has had enough resurrection disasters” Cortez replies.

34. Mygalomorphae cradles the new tome & laughs excitedly aloud - her quest is a step closer to it’s goal!

35. Back at Jek jek tar the two force users are heavily outnumbered against the mercs & bounty hunters inside.

36. “THE JEDI WILL NOT BE HARMED” a voice growls - it appears to be a large Bothan patron.

37. “THE NEW ORDER FLURISHES BECAUSE YOU’RE ALL TOO BUSY INFIGHTING TO GIVE A TUSKANS GAFFI ABOUT ANYONE BUT YOURSELVES!”

38. The original troublemaker makes the first move towards the Bothan & a full scale brawl erupts!

39. The familiar sounds of blaster discharge & the hum of a sabre fill the air . ..

40. The giant Wookie dives upon the student of the light, minimising his usefulness in battle - snarling inches from his face . .

41. A full 20 mins later Durandel & Ventress find themselves back outside the lounge setting as the sound of breaking glass & smell of smoke echo from inside . .

42. “We must go back” Durandel panics “that warrior had our backs in there!”“NO” Ventress hisses “His death will be in vain if you die too - come!”

43. Outside an apartment block two figures exchange objects under the cover of darkness . .

44. Inside one of Ventress’s many safe houses across the galaxy Durandel attends to the fixtures & fittings that can be repaired. “Never had you down as the apartment type” he chuckles as his companion returns “I have prepared us sustenance when you’re ready”

45. Aloof once again Ventress stays hidden underneath her cloak & hood. Durandel has observed many intense mood swings whilst in her company, this one seeming almost depressive in nature.

46. As he brushes away her hood it becomes obvious that Ventress is out of it. Her stare vacant & her responsiveness non existent.

Whatever demons she is fighting - a quick fix seems to be her only tried & tested solution to the pain. The rage enhancers that she & Grievous shared have taken over what little soul she once clung to!

47. After erupting into a ‘getting high is not the answer’ monologue, he sits with his head in his handstrying to deconstruct her train of though but she races off into the night.

How he wonders can it be so hard to get through to someone who has shown signs of progression - only to spiral back so soon?

48. In the dead of night she returns once again, perhaps drawn by the young mans continuing hopes for her to succeed - even after the darkness she has embraced for so long . .

49. Standing over him as he lies defencelessly before her, multiple feelings run through her mind.

Uncertain of her own thought processes anymore she defers back to instinct . .

50. As the boy stirs she places her left foot beside him & hitches up her skirt . . .

51. Was it possible that Obi Wan was right about her all along?

The boy has similar hopes . .

Obi Wan . . . That thought stays with her . . .

52. As she grasps his wrists tightly Durandel momentarily wonders if she is about to kill him in his sleep deprived state of mind . . .

Stranger: “Grog requests that you step outside due to the risk of damage”

Durandel & Galen both lower their drinks

Durandel: “Damage?”Stranger: “There is a Gamorrean hunting party that requests a moment of your time!”

Galen: “I’m not in the mood to play guessing games, if it’s gonna be a fight we can at least be in the fresh air!”

“JedI??” the party screech baying for blood

Galen: “Just act nice & calm till I can get enough room to pop the big one in the face”Durandel: “I could just force push them collectively?”Galen: “yep . . Confirming that you are indeed a Jedi . . . kiddo be smart!”

Galen approaches the largest of the group who appears to be the chief huntsman.

“This isn’t a Q & A session bro, we are expecting company” the soldier grunts.

He nods to the figure above “That one has been slipping in & out for days, must be another off one? Toxins effect different ones in different ways but I’d bet a star cruiser that YOU haven’t a mark on you!”

One of the other men quietly relay information to the commander, who begins to leave the area “I’d keep still if I were you, struggling tends to get you dead!”

Shortly after the black soldiers leave a familiar sight befalls the Padawan.

The Crimson Guard - Cortez’ replacement under the new rule - converge upon an alter that has escaped Durandel until now.

I hope that you get all of the twists & turns so far - I did have to set up a Q & A thread over on yakface - hopefully you're getting it but if not feel free to ask questions, I wont think you are being rude